The mighty Murchison falls is one of the remarkable tourist attractions after which Uganda was dubbed the Pearl of Africa. Also known as kabalega falls, Murchison falls is situated in the heart of Uganda’s oldest and largest national park (Murchison falls national park) between Lake Kyoga and Lake Albert on the while Nile. The strong waters squeeze through a seven-meter gorge falling 43 meters down into the devils’ cauldron forming a permanent trademark rainbow at the bottom of the falls. Sir Samuel Baker and his wife were the first people to discover Murchison falls in 1864 during their trial in Uganda. Walking to the top of the mighty Murchison falls reward travelers with a magical thunderous roar of wild waters. Also, the top of the falls is the best site to see the park, wildlife, birds and local communities in the neighborhood. The mighty cascade drains the last of the river’s energy, transforming it into broad, placid stream that flows quietly across the rift valley floor into the lake. The Park is managed by Uganda Wildlife Authority,a government body responsible for tourism and wildlife conservation in Uganda.
About Murchison falls national park
Spreading over 3,893 square kilometers, Murchison falls national park is Uganda’s biggest and oldest park that was established in 1952. The park is located in northwestern Uganda lying at the northern end of the albertine Rift valley. Murchison falls national park is bisected by Victoria Nile, which plunges 54m over the remnant rift valley wall to create the dramatic Murchison falls. Vegetation in the park comprise of savannahs, shrubs, forests and swamps which provide food and habitat to animals and birds in the park.
Activities and Attractions in Murchison Falls
Murchison falls national park is a center for tourism in Uganda with a variety of attractions and activities.
Game viewing
With a wide concentration of wildlife, game viewing is the most done tourist activity in Murchison falls national park. Game drives in the open savannahs of Murchison falls reward travelers with spectacular game viewing experiences. Game drives are well done in the early morning and evening to catch up with animals browsing and hunting before retiring for day and night rest. Expect to see numerous animals such as giraffes, elephants, buffalos, Uganda kobs, warthogs, waterbucks, elands, lions, leopards, cape buffalos, hippos, Jackson hartebeest, crocodiles, red tailed monkeys, patas monkeys and oribis among others.
Boat cruising
A boat cruise at the bottom of the falls is a must do on your Uganda safari to Murchison falls national park. Cruising reward you with a fresh feeling of cold-water breezes and fresh air pus marvelous views of the falls and the park. Expect to see various water animals including crocodiles, hippos and monitoring lizards on the riverbanks. Water birds like ducks, bee-eaters, cormorants and fish eagles are also spotted. Travelers are reminded that boat cruising is done two times a day i.e morning and afternoon lasting for 2 hours each session.
Bird watching
Besides game, Murchison falls national park is home to over 451 bird species. Birding is well done in forested, swamp areas of the park as well as the bottom of the mighty falls. Among the birds you should expect on your bird watching trip to Murchison falls national park include African Quail-Finch, Black-headed Gonolek, Blue headed Coucal, Eastern Grey Plantain eater, Malachite Kingfishers, Blue headed Coucal, Squaco Heron, Grey crowned cranes, Silver bird and Speckle fronted weaver among others. Our professional birding guides explain to you all the unique features of each spotted bird.
Nature walks
Join thrilling forest/nature trails through the low hills, forest and swampy areas of Murchison falls national park, Nature walk is the best way to explore and discover the beauty of this park on foot. You will meet various birds and animals some of which are hard to see on a game drive. Most animals seen during forest walking are primates, which include red tailed monkeys among others. The best place to do forest walks in Murchison falls National Park includes Rabongo forest and in Kaniyo Pabidi forest.
Where to sleep in Murchison Falls NP
The leading accommodation facilities in Murchison falls national park include Paraa safari lodge, Pakuba lodge, Baker’s lodge, Sambiya river lodge, Chobe safari lodge, Budongo eco lodge and Palm Gardens among others. These offer you excellent food and sleeping services at affordable rates.
Other activities that can be done on a Uganda tour to Murchison falls national park include chimpanzee trekking in Budongo forest and Rhino tracking at Zziwa rhino sanctuary.
